New Members - Introduce yourself..

Post by **calooker** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:06 pm

Hey Wynand next time you fly back here to RSA please can you bring us a suite case full of those cheap Knockoff Empi products made there in Taiwan. Can I place an order now?

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 2:23 pm

Knockoffs!?

Post by **calooker** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 2:48 pm

Empi was a brand name that has been around ever since the beetle has been raced, at some point the company was sold, later it went bank. The brand name EMPI was bought out and all Empi products that were produced in the US and EU at that time were no more and production moved to China / Taiwan, now they have gone as far as coping every other product on the market, their latest feat is reproducing the legend IDF Weber carbs, all of these copies are cheaper than the original they are the largest producer of aftermarket goodies for the aircooled VW.

Post by **eben** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 2:53 pm

yeah they call that IDF the EMPI hpmx or something.... It used to stand for European Motor Products Incorporated and i think the guy who started it all started with making proper replacement valve seats for beetle and then went on to build engines and other parts from there.....

http://beetle.cabriolets.online.fr/gall ... /empi.html

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 3:04 pm

Interesting; thanks for the lesson Rui.

...Um, how many topics have the past 9 pages covered just out of interest's sake?

N.

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:42 am

Three for every new member..... Everyone lay on the floor this is a hijack!

Wei Xiansheng · Post by **Wei Xiansheng** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 4:13 am

LMAO! I'm sorry guys, but I don't think my Chinese ability is quite up to buying car parts yet! But I would be able to order drinks and food in Chinese for you...or tell the taxi driver where to drop you off! Went to the dentist yesterday and believe me there was a lot of charades and picture drawing before he knew what I wanted. I wanted a broken molar fixed and he thought I wanted veneers for my pearly whites!

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:36 am

I have kind of introduced myself in the general discussion forum.
But in order to keep things tidy I will introduce myself here.

I love all things aircooled (obviuosly), but I tend to lean towards the humble beetle. I currently drive a late model beetle on a daily basis. I am restoring a 1968/69 beetle.
The restoration is a full pan-off restoration. I am also modifying/upgrading the suspension and motor.

Suspension-lowered +/- 2" front, 1 Spline rear (not sure what overall drop will be with the body on). Urethane bushes in front beam and rear Torsion bars.

Engine - I plan to start with a smaller 1776cc. The parts I currently have include 90.5mm P/C's, 044 heads (Must still be machined and ported), Engle 110 Cam, 69mm balanced crank, 40 IDF webers, MSD ignition and Distributor. I will build this around a late model dual relief case which must still be machined. the rest of the parts are still on the wish list.

While I wait for cash/parts I spend any free time keeping my current ride on the road.

Post by **Tony Z** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:28 am

Welcome Guys. All sounds good.
Rick, sounds like you are in for a bit o fun. I have driven a car with a similar setup to yours... all I can say is good fun, but if you can afford it, go for 1.25 rockers and dual springs. You will not regret it at all. 9:1CR.

While I wait for cash/parts I spend any free time keeping my current ride on the road.

know the feeling

MAK · Post by **MAK** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:05 pm

Hi Guys,

Just became a member .... Love VW's had the whole Golf range (1,2,3,4) but no aircooled VW's.

Recently purchased a 1967 1300 Beetle, so now I understand what the fuss is all about:)

The vehicle I purchased is mechanically sound, interior is in great condition .... exterior needs work (re-spray and some wheels)

I have been driving it for two weeks now and absolutely love it...

Regards
M

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:22 pm

Hey MAK,

Welcome.

Any chance the bug you purchased is Maroon in colour?

Got pics?

N.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:27 pm

Hi MAK

I am also new here, you are the first new member I am welcoming.
WELCOME!!!
At least I am not the newest registered member anymore.

Post by **eben** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:55 pm

Welcome to both of you ...... My fastback is my only car and daily driver .... the nicest thing of our breed of cars is that if you get to know your car well enough and work on it yourself, you kinda build up a trust relationship with your car where you know what is going on with it, what needs attention and that if you take care of your car, it will take care of you......

For instance the one long-weekend some time ago Natasa and I decided to drive to PE and back with the fastback.... how many other brands drivers would attempt that with their 40 year old model? The night we arrived back home after about 2000 trouble free km's, the clutch cable snapped as we pulled into the driveway(if you know your VW you will carry a spare cable and belt anyway). I felt that the car held out till we got back home safely, which is why i would NEVER sell it.

Enjoy the forum!

Thumper · Post by **Thumper** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 8:40 am

Welcome chaps. If you have pictures of yourselves and your cars, there is a spot where you can post them, I bet you are not as ugly as Vader..He he, Don't strangle me lord Vader!! (plead mercy)

Post by **Tony Z** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:09 am

Vader - the dark force amongst us. He seems to live up to his name, never attending bug runs, needing a recharge on his saber sword...
dont worry vader we still like you.

We all have similar stories to Ebens, if you dont, you havent had a bug (or bus - for you MTM) for long enough. Keep them coming and dont be shy

Aircooled VW South Africa

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